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Cleveland Youth Wind Symphonies

Founded in 1989 by Dr. Gary M. Ciepluch and Robert McAllister, the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony is now in its 23rd season (1995-96 marking the initial season for the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony II.)

Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony I, conducted by Dr. Gary M. Ciepluch; Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony II, conducted by Melissa Lichter; and Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony Concert Winds, conducted by Daniel Crain, are sponsored by the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University. The Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony was established to provide a musical venue for the most outstanding high school woodwind, brass, and percussion players throughout Northeast Ohio.

The Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony groups rehearse from mid-September through early May, each Saturday morning, in Kulas Hall at the Institute, and in Denison Hall at Case Western Reserve University.

The mission of the groups is twofold: to play the most significant band repertoire, and to provide an opportunity for outstanding musicians to perform together on a weekly basis. Selection for the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony is through auditions that are held each May for the following fall. Approximately 450 students audition for selection into the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphonies.

In addition to the concerts performed each season in Kulas Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music and in Severance Hall, the groups have performed numerous times at conventions and festivals and in concert halls throughout the United States and abroad. Performance highlights include a 1992 invitation to perform at the Music Educators National Conference held in New Orleans, as well as performances at the Ohio Music Education Association State Conventions in Cleveland (1991), Dayton (1996), Columbus (1998, 2004), and Cincinnati (2002, 2008). Many of their performances can be heard on Cleveland's WCLV 104.9 FM.

In June 1994, the group began a series of international concert tours. They have performed in Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, England, and most recently, Spain and France for their eighth tour.

The Cleveland Youth Symphonies rehearse on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Cleveland Institute of Music Main Campus and Case Western Reserve University campus in University Circle.

Most rehearsals take place in one of two locations: Denison Hall, CWRU (1650 E. 115th) or CIM (11021 East Blvd.). Some rehearsals will also occur at the CWRU Thwing Student Center (11111 Euclid Ave.) - please note that you must use the east entrance to Thwing on weekends - and Harkness Chapel, located on the corner of Ford and Bellflower and across from the Peter Lewis Building.

The CYWS presents its regular concerts in Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra (11001 Euclid Ave.) The dates and times of these concerts are included in the master schedule (downloadable below). For concerts at Severance, tickets are available through the Severance Hall box office (Phone: 216.231.1111) and online at www.clevelandorch.com.

In addition, several run-out performances are scheduled throughout the season at various locations in Greater Cleveland. These concerts are also included on the master schedule. Ticket information for run-outs will be given out at rehearsals.

MEMBERS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO ALL EVENTS UNLESS OTHERWISE ADVISED. Occasionally concert engagements will be scheduled after the distribution of the master schedule. Any such additions will be announced as far in advance as possible.

Auditions are required and take place in May for the following school year. Auditions are open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists entering grades 8-12. Audition requirements are as follows:

Winds/Brass: A prepared solo of your choice with two contrasting sections or movements.

Only if needed, CYWS members are permitted a maximum of TWO absences per semester (Sem. I= September-December; Sem. II = January-May). These include absences for the SAT or ACT test, college visitations, religious observation, family obligations, illness, etc. This DOES NOT INCLUDE school music conflicts (see below).

Members must meet the terms of the attendance policy in order to participate in an upcoming performance.

School Music Conflicts: Members must use the School Music Obligation Form to report all School Music absences. This form is included in the CYWS Handbook and may be copied as needed. Additional forms are also available at Denison Hall. The form requires the signatures of the member, a parent, and the school music director. Only FULLY COMPLETED forms will be accepted.

As a last resort, forms may be faxed to Dr. Ciepluch at 216.368.6557. Faxed forms received after an absence will NOT be accepted.

All members of CYWS are REQUIRED to maintain full participation in their school instrumental music program. In the case of a conflict between CYWS and a school music event, members must fulfill their commitment to their school music program.

Members should compare their CYWS and school music calendars on a regular basis, and bring any conflicts to the attention of the Music Director as early as possible. When members have school music conflicts, they must fill out a School Music Obligation Form, which can be found in the CYWS Handbook or at Denison Hall.

Although the Preparatory & Continuing Education Division would always prefer not to cancel classes or events, we are dedicated to safety first. We will always attempt to cancel events at the earliest feasible time. Once a decision is made, the following will happen:

The CIM web site will have closings and delays listed on its home page

The CIM Weather Hotline at 216.795.3170 ext. 676 will be updated (you must enter extension 676 in the automated system to receive the most up-to-date information. Please DO NOT leave a message on this extension.)

Channel 3 News (WKYC) will be notified. Check iAlert closings listed on your TV or on their web site at www.wkyc.com.

SAFETY FIRST. Those who travel great distances or live in snow-prone areas are advised to use discretion and good judgment during inclement weather.

All members are expected to be in their chairs for individual warm-up with their music and instrument at least 10 MINUTES before each rehearsal. Rehearsals begin promptly at the appointed time. (Percussionists are required to arrive early and stay late to move equipment.)

When the tuning notes are given, members should tune as quickly, quietly, and accurately as possible. "Doodling" or practicing during tuning is not appropriate. The CYWS tunes to A=440.

Members are expected to attend rehearsals in their entirety. In the event of a school music obligation or RARE personal conflict, members are asked to leave rehearsal as quickly and quietly as possible. Attendance at final rehearsals (bold-face in the master schedule) is mandatory.

Concerts:

Members are expected to be ready to play at least 10 MINUTES before the scheduled concert time. CYWS staff will direct members to the performance stage at the appropriate time. During applause, the conductor bows on behalf of the ensemble. The concertmaster (principal clarinet) leads the group in standing at the direction of the conductor. Members face the audience when standing. Members are expected to stay at all concerts for their entirety. At concerts where other groups are performing, members should listen from the audience as seating allows.